In an age where heads are perpetually bent toward glowing screens, one city in Japan is asking residents to look up, slow down, and reconnect with the world around them. The city of Yamato, in Kanagawa Prefecture, recently introduced a public initiative urging people to refrain from using their smartphones while walking. It’s a small but bold attempt to tackle one of the defining habits of modern urban life: smartphone dependency.
The Problem: A City of Distracted Walkers
Smartphone use while walking has become so common that urban planners now list it as a safety concern. In Yamato, officials noted an increase in minor accidents, from collisions between pedestrians to dangerous near-misses with bicycles and cars. Beyond safety, the city’s leaders argued, constant smartphone use erodes human interaction and disconnects residents from their shared spaces.
“Walking is not just a way to move—it’s part of how we live together,” said one city official. “When people stop looking at each other and at their surroundings, the city itself becomes less alive.”
The Policy: Gentle Encouragement, Not Punishment
Unlike hard regulations, Yamato’s policy is more symbolic than punitive. Signs have been placed near stations, parks, and shopping streets reminding people not to use smartphones while walking. Public announcements echo the same message. The campaign focuses on education and awareness rather than fines or penalties, encouraging residents to consider the collective benefits of being present and attentive.
Public Reactions: Support, Skepticism, and Humor
The response from residents has been mixed. Some welcomed the initiative as a long-overdue reminder of basic courtesy and safety. Parents in particular praised the effort, hoping it would set an example for children growing up in a smartphone-saturated culture.
Others, however, see it as unrealistic. “People are too attached to their phones,” said a university student interviewed near Yamato Station. “They check messages, directions, music—it’s not going to stop just because of a sign.” On social media, the policy sparked lighthearted jokes, with some suggesting Yamato should also ban daydreaming or walking while eating.
A Wider Debate on Digital Life
Yamato’s experiment touches a broader global conversation: how can societies encourage healthier relationships with technology? Cities around the world—from Seoul to San Francisco—have tested similar “phone-free zones” or awareness campaigns. While none have eliminated the habit, they highlight growing concerns about the balance between connectivity and mindfulness.
The Road Ahead
Whether Yamato’s initiative succeeds may not depend on strict enforcement, but on sparking reflection. Even if only a fraction of residents put away their phones while walking, the ripple effect could improve both safety and community connection.
As one local café owner put it, “If people look up from their phones, maybe they’ll notice the blossoms in spring, or smile at a stranger. That’s what makes a city feel human.”
So can one city convince its residents to put down their smartphones? The answer may not be clear yet—but Yamato has taken the first step in asking the question.
Source:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/world/asia/japan-smartphones-ban-toyoake.html
